What You Need To Know About The Windows 7 Release Candidate

What you need to know about the Windows 7 Release Candidate

Microsoft has finished its work on the Windows 7 Release Candidate and has announced a distribution schedule. For those who are thinking of evaluating this release, I’ve put together this FAQ. If you have any additional questions, ask them in the Talkback section; I’ll update this post as needed.

What is the Windows 7 Release Candidate?

Will there be additional release candidates after this one?

Is the Release Candidate feature-complete?

What’s changed from the beta release?

Will the RC be available to the general public?

Do I have to pay anything to use the Windows 7 RC?

When will the RC be officially available for download?

What format will the download be available in?

Can I install the Windows 7 release candidate over an earlier beta release?

Can I upgrade my existing copy of Windows XP?

Can I upgrade my existing copy of Windows Vista?

Can I install Windows 7 in a virtual machine?

Can I install Windows 7 on an external USB or IEEE 1394 (FireWire) hard drive?

Can I choose which edition to install?

Will Windows 7 work with my software?

Where can I find Windows 7 hardware drivers?

How long does installation take?

Do I need a product key?

I have a product key from the Windows 7 beta. Can I use it on the Windows 7 RC?

Do I have to activate my installation?

How long can I use the Release Candidate?

When will Windows 7 be released to manufacturing?

To read the answers please go to: HERE